I wanted to take a moment to talk about one of my favourite companies: LUSH.

Although you may find their products to be a bit pricier than some drugstore beauty products, there’s good reason for it, and no doubt – you’re worth it!

To begin with, LUSH products are made from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, fine essential oils and safe synthetics. They also make them all fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and with indication of when the products were made. Testing on animals is also a big no-no for them.

So I picked out a few of my faves for you:

1. Ocean Salt. Why I like it: Like? No, LOVE. Because it’s the best scrub I’ve ever encountered, with vodka infused lime, grapefruit and sea salt, balanced with moisturizing fresh avocado butter and coconut fat. Leaves me smelling like a delicious summer drink and an afternoon on the beach.
2. Mange Too Massage Bar. Why I like it: Mouth-watering white chocolate, honey, banana, and subtle peppermint. What more can I say? I’ve been slightly tempted at times to take a bite from this bar, but better to start with a massage first. Then who knows? You might end up tasting a bit for yourself later… if you get what I’m saying. ;) So if you’re looking to spruce things up a bit – this is the ticket.
3. Think Pink Bath Bomb. Why I like it: This what I like to call “girls night in”… but for one. A hot, fizzing, pink bath makes me feel relaxed and feminine. And the money for these pretties goes towards fighting Breast Cancer. So you can feel really good about taking a bath with this bomb… except don’t eat the little flower candies. They’re just for fun.

{images from MAZE blog, LUSH and TheBeauty2U}

Father’s day is fast approaching. And I don’t know about you but I’ve always had a hard time finding gifts for my Dad. I hopped on Etsy today though and actually found the search to be super easy this time around. There were tons options for every type of dad.

1. For the sport-lovin’ dad: Vintage-style Lemon Ball™ baseball at $25
2. For the well-groomed dad: Herben Lifestyle Man Grooming Gift Set at $55
3. For the techie dad: Daisy Tie Fighter Concrete Ipod Dock at $55
4. For the history buff dad: Vintage 1900s Century Book of Facts at $18
5. For the organized dad: Multipurpose Caddy at $32
6. For the barbecuin’ dad: Gourmet Spice Rub and Barbecue Kit at $16
7. For the old timey, beer drinking dad: Mustache Beer Mugs at $26

{images from linked sellers on Etsy}

While searching for spring/Easter decor and gift ideas, I came upon these little numbers from ArtMind on Etsy and immediately fell in love. These faceless little babushkas have pretty textures and shapes added to them to each convey their own feeling. It’s part of a series called the 99 Feelings Project. The bunny is not a part of the project, but I had to feature him because he’s seasonally appropriate… and so darn cute! You can see the whole collection here.

The artist states that “a lot of time and love goes into each one”, so you know you’re getting something special. Whether you want to give these away as gifts, or keep them for yourself, they would certainly make a playful addition to any home.

{all images from ArtMind on Etsy}

For my past birthday party, I insisted on having a game night. I just wanted to sit around comfortably with good friends, having drinks and sharing laughs over a variety of games. Games I was prepared to play that night included Jenga, Twister, Scattergories and this new question game called What. Although we only ended up playing the latter, it was a huge success and painfully funny.

Then I thought: friends should have nights like this more often. So whether it’s a birthday or wedding gift, consider a game set. Perhaps I will do a more modern version of this post in the future, but for this round I decided to feature some classic games that would make perfect gifts for a couple to add to their new home. They’re great for having guests over or when you want some family-bonding time.

1. 1960s Croquet Complete Set from skyparlor on Etsy
2. 1953 Scrabble Board Game from modowl on Etsy
3. Vintage Metal Marx Steel Skittle/Bowling Game from EtcandMore on Etsy
4. Vintage White Dominoes from RubyBeets on Etsy

Giulia and I both got spoiled with chocolate this past Valentine’s day. We don’t know what our boyfriends were thinking. Although I love chocolate, I’m not the type who gets all giddy over a box of assorted chocolates. It’s just… there are more practical, original things out there to surprise me with. But hey – don’t think I’m hatin’ on my bf’s V-day gift to me. Because what he got me was actually my all-time favourite type of chocolate – peanut M&Ms. And not only did I get one, but TWO large bags of them. Pretty sure the first thing that came out of my mouth when I opened the pretty pink gift bag was: “Oh my god. Are you trying to kill me?” That’s because his wonderful mother got me the exact same thing for X-mas and they were all gone in 3 days! *Sigh… they are my ultimate weakness.

But because of this, I thought: February is the perfect month to feature a chocolate gift/favour idea. And if you can personalize it… even better! Check out MyMMs.com to make your own custom M&M candies. They could work for many occasions, like anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, or corporate events. You can add logos, faces, and personalized messages. It’s quite amazing actually. Simply go to the website, pick from 20 different colours, type in a message or upload a photo, then pick you packaging, and voila! In about two you’ll have something sweet and original at your doorstep.

Unfortunately they do not print on the peanut ones. Too bad for me. But I still think it’s super cool.

{images from dwof, Valerie Renee, ucfgrl15, and artsy T on Flickr}

Check out these Williams-Sonoma exclusive cookie cutters where you can customize your treats with special messages. You simply slide the letters or pre-made words into the cutter to form a name or a message, then you press the cutter into the dough, and voila! Your lettering is imprinted on the cookie.

Could you imagine these as a sweet favour for your next event? The great thing is they can work for multiple occasions, with endless message options to come up with. Perhaps “Happy Birthday Sarah” or “Jessica & Adam 2.7.10″? It’s up to you!

{Message cookie cutters from Williams-Sonoma. Images from Ohdeedoh}

A regular came into the shop I work at the other day and started talking to me about these cookies that are customizable, yummy and quick to order, and best of all – located in Toronto. She had me at ‘cookies’… It was funny that she mentioned this because just a day earlier I came across this web site for customizable chocolate bars, and I thought: “what a fantastic-ly awesome idea!” Sweets with lots of choice – now that’s what I’m talking about!

Both the Sweet Flour bake shop and Chocri schokolade offer up a playful collection of ingredients for your sweet tooth to choose from. From Sweet Flour (who also make custom muffin tops and cookie sandwiches – mmm mmmm!), you can choose items like Cappuccino Chips, M&Ms, and Mini Pretzels, and as for Chocri, well the list just continues on, featuring items like Banana Chips, Cinnamon, Licorice Drops, and Rice Crispies. If you wish to be more daring, you could even try putting Jalapeños, Chives, or Wasabi Peanuts in your chocolate bar. How about trying something fancy like adding Real Gold Flakes or Candied Lilac? Well they have it! Even if you’re not going to order a chocolate bar, I suggest heading over to the site just to make your own bar and check out all the options. It’s quite fun!

Both the custom cookies or bars would make great favours or a wonderful treat to serve during your event. There is also a little occasion coming up known as Valentine’s (not sure if you’ve heard of it), but… I think that cookie place might be my date option for that day.

{images from Sweet Flour and Chocri}

Links of London has always brought eclectic charms, bracelets and cufflinks in sterling silver and 18k gold since they first started in 1990. Their fine jewelery is classic, but also modern enough to pair with a casual outfit. Their charms especially are easy to match, and come in so many designs :) The heart-sheaped charms alone range from a plump round one, to my favourite thumbprint one, to the sapphire-embellished Lovestruck one.

For Valentine’s day, Links of London has a limited edition, Love Collection, by their creative director, Elizabeth Galton. Each piece is exquisite and would make a great gift for a lovely lady.

{image from Butter Boom}

It’s been a long while since we featured some his and hers items (like these and these!) that are practical and not too cheesy. Here are some simple hand-made stoneware and pottery items from Arizona artist, Christine Tenenholtz. Matching mugs seem to be the best way to share a warm drink during the winter.

I love the shade of red used for the heart-shaped bowls and would like a set of those to share dessert with a loved one :) The robin egg blue Love Bird vase is also a beauty! Such sweet gifts for a pair of lovers ;)

{images from Red Hot Pottery}

What better gift to give to newly weds, than a beautiful set of bedding?

Laura Ashley may be classic and elegant, but if you are not sure about the couple’s taste or the decor in their bedroom, choose a neutral and modern style that will suit any simple bed frame. This will ensure both bride and groom will be happy :)

Here are a few of my favourite finds:

1. Organic Cotton Pin-Tuck Duvet Cover and Shams from West Elm
2. Xefe Duvet Cover and Pillow Cases from Zara Home
3. Brushstroke Duvet from Echo
4. On a Wire Duvet Cover by Atelier Baraque
5. Cove Organic Cotton Duvet from Amenty Home

There are so many colours, textures, patterns and materials to pick from that you can be sure to find something suited for the new couple. And if you don’t find something you like, Inmod even has the option of designing your own custom bedding.

{first photo from Home Decorating Co}